New stadium in Parramatta will replace Pirtek Stadium as the home venue for Parramatta Eels (rugby) and Western Sydney Wanderers (football). With 30,000 seats it’s expected by New South Wales government to become Australia’s best ‘rectangular’ stadium.

With completely covered auditorium, very compact layout and the country’s steepest upper stand (34°) which becomes a massive terrace on the north end, it should produce intimidating atmosphere. One place where that atmosphere may be felt less is the western main grandstand with three balconies of premium seating overhanging the lower tier.

For the first time in Australia there will be a field-level business club placed just behind the team benches and with a window into the tunnel leading players onto the field.

Exterior of the stadium will be simple and rather rough, with steel pillars dominating and most infrastructure placed on ground level (creating an open plaza with cafes along the north end). Only a thin mesh with lights will be wrapped around the stands, allowing the building to come alive at night.

Priced at $300 million (US$ 223m), the stadium is part of a $1.6 billion plan to upgrade New South Wales’ sports infrastructure. Currently supporters can grab pieces of Pirtek Stadium as souvenirs and in early 2017 demolition should commence. Actual construction should follow shortly after and the new stadium is scheduled for opening in 2019.